Fins for a size 12/13 (mens)

[ligersandtions]

I'm trying to find some fins for my husband (finally getting him to get rid of the splits!!! But really, it's only because they won't let him take Essentials in them!).

He normally wears a size 12 (maybe an 11 sometimes) on land. I suspect he'll go up a size to dive dry....he's thinking about Converse but maybe just using wetsuit boots.

Anyways, I know Jets are notoriously sized weird....I can't find a sizing chart for Slipstreams....I looked at kidspot's size chart for Turtles/Jets with Chuck Taylors and there was nothing for a size 13 (but for the size 14, it said the XXL Jets were too big, the XL was "not a chance" and the Turtles worked).

Anyways, if you are a size 12/13 or know someone who is that has fins that work for them, please let me know what would be best. Also, if you're local and know a place that has lots to choose from, we can go try them on (I know of a number of places that only have Jets, and I'd like more variety since I don't think those will work).

Further, if you have a pair that would work for him and are looking to sell them, please let me know. Thanks for your help!

Nicole

[mwhities]

Ooops, I just read the rest of your post... disregard! haha.

I wear a size 16 shoe and the XL Jets were to tight. The XXL Jets didn't fit with any bootie type shoe. I ended up getting a pair of Chuck Taylors per Lynne's suggestion and they work great. I also use DUI Rock boots for dry suit diving. They fit into the XXL Jets perfectly. The Chucks are just ever so slightly loose, but manageable.

I'd recommend trying the SlipStreams. I think they are slightly (foot pocket size) smaller than the XXL Jets.

Keep us posted.

Michael

[Sounder]

I know a guy with XL Slipstreams for sale. I'm looking at XXL Slipstreams right now for my 11.5 sasquatch feet... XL jets are too small.

[ligersandtions]

I know a guy with XL Slipstreams for sale. I'm looking at XXL Slipstreams right now for my 11.5 sasquatch feet... XL jets are too small.

I know a guy with XL Slipstreams for sale too....but if XL's are too small for your size 11.5 sasquatch feet, they're definitely gonna be too small for his size 12 sasquatch feet

I guess that means that XXL Slipstreams would probably work???

[kidspot]

I need to add the Slipstreams to my chart I guess ... I've been going back and forth between XXL Jets and XXL Slipstreams - depending upon the boot I'm wearing and lately because both of my current students need XXL Jets.

The foot pocket in the Slipstreams is a MUCH better fit IMO than the Jets for a size 12 foot. But no matter which fin you go with it is going to depend upon the boots you wear. If you can get them I highly recommend the Ranger Boots from Hightide diving - they are absolutely the best shore diving boot I've ever worn (out of 6 different brands and multiple sizes in the 12-14 range) Plus they fit XXL Jets, Slipstreams and Turtles. Of course the Jets are just a little loose with the size 12 boots, but they do work.

The advantage of Slipstreams I found was a more responsive fin, but they are neutral (or nearly so) in the ocean, and I prefer a negative fin like Jets. The Turtles are negative with a good foot pocket, but I feel they lack the responsiveness that I get with the Jets and Slipstreams.

Hope that helps some.

Aloha, Tim

[TobinGeorge]

I'm trying to find some fins for my husband (finally getting him to get rid of the splits!!! But really, it's only because they won't let him take Essentials in them!).

He normally wears a size 12 (maybe an 11 sometimes) on land. I suspect he'll go up a size to dive dry....he's thinking about Converse but maybe just using wetsuit boots.

Anyways, I know Jets are notoriously sized weird....I can't find a sizing chart for Slipstreams....I looked at kidspot's size chart for Turtles/Jets with Chuck Taylors and there was nothing for a size 13 (but for the size 14, it said the XXL Jets were too big, the XL was "not a chance" and the Turtles worked).

Anyways, if you are a size 12/13 or know someone who is that has fins that work for them, please let me know what would be best. Also, if you're local and know a place that has lots to choose from, we can go try them on (I know of a number of places that only have Jets, and I'd like more variety since I don't think those will work).

Further, if you have a pair that would work for him and are looking to sell them, please let me know. Thanks for your help!

Nicole

Send Stephen over here. I have XL jets and Turtles he's welcome to borrow.

BTW stay away from XXL Jets.

XXL jets are huge, cavernous echo chambers, combo fins and rinse tanks. I've lived in spaces smaller than the foot pocket on a pair of XXL jets......


Tobin

[Sounder]

I've lived in spaces smaller than the foot pocket on a pair of XXL jets...

Anyone need a new sig line?

[ligersandtions]

Send Stephen over here. I have XL jets and Turtles he's welcome to borrow.

BTW stay away from XXL Jets.

XXL jets are huge, cavernous echo chambers, combo fins and rinse tanks. I've lived in spaces smaller than the foot pocket on a pair of XXL jets......


Tobin

Thanks for the generous offer, Tobin! We will probably take you up on that....assuming if you don't mind him borrowing them to dive this Saturday, and also possibly for Essentials (if we don't find a more permanent solution by then!).

I told him that I had read that the XXL's were huge (like Shaq huge!) but he didn't believe me....maybe he will after he reads your comment

BTW, I suppose the XXL jets could serve Ken well for his on-site wash down, huh

[TobinGeorge]

Thanks for the generous offer, Tobin! We will probably take you up on that....assuming if you don't mind him borrowing them to dive this Saturday, and also possibly for Essentials (if we don't find a more permanent solution by then!).

I told him that I had read that the XXL's were huge (like Shaq huge!) but he didn't believe me....maybe he will after he reads your comment

BTW, I suppose the XXL jets could serve Ken well for his on-site wash down, huh

They are spare sets, no hurry.

Let me know when you are headed this way.

Tobin

[CompuDude]

For size 12 feet, I can pretty much promise you're either going to want Turtles or XXL SlipStreams.

XL SlipStreams are 99.9% identically-size to XL Jets. The difference is whether you want a heavy fin (go Turtles/Jets) or lighter fin (go SlipStreams).

[ligersandtions]

Alright, I tracked three of the four sets of fins down for him to try....XL Jets, Turtles, and F1's....haven't found XXL Slipstreams yet, so hopefully he likes one of those ones. He's used to neutral/positive fins, so we'll have to see how the negatively buoyant Jets and Turtles treat him (have no idea on buoyancy characteristics of the F1's) - I think when he's in trim, with feet up, it probably won't matter all that much anyways.

[CompuDude]

Alright, I tracked three of the four sets of fins down for him to try....XL Jets, Turtles, and F1's....haven't found XXL Slipstreams yet, so hopefully he likes one of those ones. He's used to neutral/positive fins, so we'll have to see how the negatively buoyant Jets and Turtles treat him (have no idea on buoyancy characteristics of the F1's) - I think when he's in trim, with feet up, it probably won't matter all that much anyways.

Might want to PM robertarak here on DMX... I sold him a pair of XXL SlipStreams last year (they were too big for my pygmy feet). Tell him I referred you and he might be willing to loan his to you for a quick trial. He lives in Valencia, if memory serves, so he's at least somewhat local to you.

[ligersandtions]

The turtles fit, size-wise. However, he's not a believer....thinks that it's "easier" in split fins. I'm curious if a more neutrally buoyant fin would work better for him, or if he just needs a couple more dives in them to get used to how they feel....

He'll have to decide what he wants as I can't do it for him.

[Rainer]

Pretty much everything gets easier with experience...

Hard to draw strong conclusions if this was his first dive in the DS with paddle fins...

[Sounder]

It IS easier in a split fin. You're not pushing as much water per kick. You do more kicks for the same distance, but each kick requires less effort.

I am in the process or ordering XXL Slipstreams. I was on deco last Saturday and was squirming all over the place due to my foot hurting. It helped (a little) to have pressure on the down-stroke of the kick... all the while trying to hold my position in the water. My right foot had cramped up so bad that I'm still sore and limping a bit from it.

So as soon as my LDS calls back, I'll be placing that order.

BTW, I probably have some XL Jets for sale.